Prime Minister Jeong: "Contact Infections Among Confirmed Cases Rise to 45%... No Worsening Expected Before and After Seollal" (Update)

Presided over the COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting on the 19th
"If you have suspicious symptoms, get tested immediately" emphasized

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-gyun. / Photo by Jin-hyeong Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated on the 19th, "While cluster infections have decreased over the past week, infections caused by contact with confirmed cases have risen to 45%."

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting on COVID-19 held at the Government Seoul Office that day, Prime Minister Chung said, "If the situation worsens around the Lunar New Year, we will inevitably be put on the defensive again in the difficult fight against COVID-19."

He explained, "COVID-19 continues to threaten us invisibly in everyday life. While cluster infections have decreased over the past week, infections from contact with confirmed cases have increased to 45%, mainly spreading through family members, acquaintances, and coworkers."

He continued, "If infections increase in daily life like this, the number of confirmed cases can surge at any time. Moreover, if the situation worsens around the Lunar New Year, we will inevitably be put on the defensive again in the difficult fight against COVID-19," expressing concern.

Prime Minister Chung urged the public to practice 'flawless' quarantine rules. He said, "Unfortunately, infectious diseases require more caution with those close to us," and added, "I ask everyone to protect their precious people around them by thoroughly following quarantine guidelines."

He requested that people get tested immediately if they have suspicious symptoms, as COVID-19 can spread even inside homes.

Prime Minister Chung said, "Households are not completely free from COVID-19. If you have suspicious symptoms, avoid contact with grandparents and young children living together, and get tested immediately."

He highlighted that disabled people who urgently need care are suffering as schools and welfare facilities frequently close due to COVID-19.

Prime Minister Chung stated, "The government has continued to expand emergency care support, but there are requests from the field to further increase support."

He urged, "The Central Accident Response Headquarters (CARH) and local governments should actively promote services for the disabled, such as emergency activity support, and carefully supplement any deficiencies or blind spots."